Feel The Same Way comes at a time when more and more Filipino musicians are excited to share their own unique takes on R&B. With her debut album, Olympia finds herself carving out her own space among contemporaries such as Kiana V, Rini, and Denise Julia.
Releasing her debut album on the same day as her birthday, Olympia (known offstage as Anica Feliciano) presents a collection of songs that reveals the young artist’s intimate thoughts on heartbreak, longing, and hope. The album is a mixture of subtle acoustics akin to those heard in Dwta’s and Syd Hartha’s work, lush harmonies like those of Lo Ki, and even the simplicity of an early-day Joji messing around on SoundCloud. Although Olympia has kept most of the rich musical textures of her earlier work, the singer has also learned to switch between different versions of her expressive sound.
Feel The Same Way, with its collection of ten tracks, can easily be split into two distinct acts. The first half of the album evokes a sense of desperation as Olympia’s lyrics tell the story of someone hopelessly trying to communicate with their beloved. The titular track sees Olympia introducing the album’s tone with her haunting voice. Sounding as if she were singing into a vast, empty space, Olympia sighs, “When all has been said and done. . . when all has been set in motion.” The track oozes finality and a reluctant acceptance – themes which seep into the following four songs.
Although, at times, the longing within these tracks can become repetitive – “All For You” and “My Bad” seem to be too identical with one another in terms of mood and rhythm – Olympia’s music overall is more than capable of resonating with listeners, especially those who appreciate the rawness of her songwriting.
But when listeners reach “Suntory (Interlude),” there is a clear attempt at narrative storytelling; Stepping away from the frustration and yearning that is so present in the album’s first half and her earlier singles, Olympia presents listeners with a distinct tonal transition from melancholic to hopeful. The track’s melody is whimsical with chords that create a warm, introspective atmosphere. Describing the track as “the calm that washes you as you watch the sunset,” Olympia is sending a message. Rather than wallowing in her own longing, she picks herself up and protects her peace.
The album’s second act shifts to coy, upbeat melodies that represent Olympia’s decisive choice for a better future where she can stand on her own. “You Got Me,” with its gentle acoustic guitar and lighthearted beat in the background, shows the singer trying to find her strength. The track’s title is repeated like a mantra, reminding herself that she can easily be her own pillar of support during difficult times. “Come Back” elevates this focus on self-love and playful tones; although the track can be interpreted as Olympia calling for the return of her lover, it can also be taken as the singer making room for her old self to come back.
“Different Lives” provides a space for reflection as the singer embraces how she has grown to live a completely different life from the one she expected. This final track of the album concludes with Olympia’s complete acceptance in this journey through love, grief, and hope.
